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In this paper, some of the complexities in developing predictive models for polymer composite materials are discussed with particular reference to models based on surface deformation energy. Although there are models available for abrasive wear of metals, polymers and composite materials, models are suitable for a particular wear situation. Most of the cases, the wear models are based on traditional test methods, such as two-body abrasive wear test or tests in a controlled environment. Moreover models for polymer composite materials are very limited. This is due to the fact that the vast range of polymers and polymer composite materials present different wear behaviour in similar wear situations. This makes the modelling wear of polymer composite materials complicated.This paper presents and discusses recent test results on ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) particle reinforced composites with varying particle concentration from a unique test rig that exposes the wear surface to sliding bulk solids (granular materials). The wear phenomena of resin and UHMWPE particle reinforced resin surfaces abraded by bulk solids are discussed with respect to the interaction between the particles and the wear surfaces. The effects of elastic and plastic deformation energy of the surfaces on the abrasive wear resistance are also discussed in the context of an appropriate wear model for these surfaces and wear events. Finally a model is proposed to predict the wear of these polymer composites based on the deformation energy of the surfaces. Good qualitative agreement was obtained between the model and the experimental wear rates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]